BOOKS AND BEYOND
It was reading Daphne Du Maurier’s dark gothic novel Rebecca as a 10-year-old that sparked Sharmila Niriella’s love affair with books and writing.
“It was a book I shouldn’t have been reading but I fell in love with the characters and the house,” she said.
The illicit read sparked a life-long love of books and words.
Now, an established writer, Sharmila, who is also Vice-President of The Women’s Shed-Hills Shire, was keen to start an after-hours book club for working women.
“I put the idea to (members of) The Women’s Shed, they all love reading and they said ‘yes, let’s do it,’” said Sharmila.
The first book on the list is A Well-Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler which is based on the extraordinary life of society woman Alva Smith who married two millionaires and caused shockwaves in New York society at the turn of the last century.
As the group only plans to meet every two months, it also has a Facebook page where people can discuss the books and suggest good reads.
The next meeting is on Monday February 17 at The Hills Diner in Castle Hills RSL from 6.30pm.
Sharmila says it is more than just about the books though.
“It provides an opportunity to make friendships with like-minded people and get involved in an intellectually stimulating conversation,” she said.
“The meetings are held after hours so interested parties can come after work,”
Books & Beyond Book Club group on The Women’s Shed Facebook will have updates on the club activities. You can email [email protected] for more details or visit the website thewomensshedhillsshire.com.au
